GLENDALE, Ariz. — With just over four minutes remaining in the first half of the 49ers’ 45-29 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at State Farm Stadium, Brock Purdy gave everyone watching the game a scare.
Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck came through the pocket after Purdy released the ball and hit him through the facemask with his arm. For a few moments, Purdy lay on the field, stunned and not moving much.
“I’ve never had one [a stinger] Purdy said after the game. “So when I got hit, I probably would have jumped if someone grabbed my arm and pulled me. And that was the first time I’ve ever had it. Just based on the guys, my teammates, and how they explain the sting, that’s definitely what I’m up to.” [was] feeling.”
Purdy eventually got up from the turf and headed to the blue injury tent to be examined by the 49ers’ medical staff. Sam Darnold, who entered the game for Purdy, was only on the field for three plays before the Arizona native returned to the field.
“I just laid there for a moment and kind of let it settle,” Purdy said. “And then I was able to get up and go to the tent, and from there it got better. Literally, as time went on, it started to go away. That’s why I was able to get back there in the middle of the trip.”
Deebo Samuel had a front row seat for Purdy while the midfielder was on the turf, so his concern was short-lived as it might have been for fans watching the game from the stands or at home.
“It felt a little different to me,” Samuel said. He was on the ground and I was standing over him and I said to him: Brother. what is wrong with you? what is going on?’ It’s like: “I got a little bite.” So I was like, okay. I knew he was going to be back in the game, so I wasn’t worried about it too much.
While Purdy was on the turf, much of the crowd at State Farm Stadium began chanting his name – “Pur-D! Pure! Pure!” The Iowa State product admitted he heard the chants, but was more concerned about his health and return to the game.
“It was great to hear the support from everyone. It was pretty amazing,” Purdy said.
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